SBCA to Launch Crackdown on Illegal Constructions Across Karachi
Karachi, July 11, 2025 — In the wake of the recent Lyari building collapse and the arrests of multiple Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) officials, the SBCA has announced a citywide crackdown on illegal constructions across Karachi.
According to an official statement, the SBCA will launch an extensive operation to demolish all illegally built and under-construction buildings in the city. The costs of the demolitions will be recovered from property owners and, in cases of non-payment, collected as tax liabilities.
The SBCA crackdown on illegal constructions will begin with high-risk, densely populated areas and will be carried out in coordination with district administrations. The authority has directed all Additional Directors, District Directors, Regional Directors, and the Director of Demolition to start immediate action.
The SBCA has also pledged that all safety protocols will be strictly followed during demolitions to prevent accidents or damage to surrounding structures. Daily progress reports will be submitted to the government for monitoring the operation’s progress.
The crackdown comes days after Karachi police arrested over 10 people, including seven SBCA officials, in connection with the Lyari building collapse. The tragic incident claimed more than 25 lives when a residential building in Baghdadi area collapsed due to alleged structural violations and illegal construction.
Sources confirmed that the detained officials were directly involved in approving and overseeing the flawed construction. Flat owners of the collapsed building were also taken into custody as investigations continue.
This decisive action plan by the SBCA is part of efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to hold those responsible for unsafe structures accountable. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious or unauthorized construction activities in their areas.
